Rep. Andrade's Community Update
Dear neighbors,
As we move into August, I want to share some information about the recent community engagement I have done here in House District 12 as well as some important upcoming events and resources.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to my legislative office at h12@iga.in.gov.
In service,
Mike
Upcoming: Griffith BMV Public Hearing
On July 31, the Indiana BMV announced a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposal to close the Griffith BMV branch.
The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Griffith Town Hall. The public is invited to provide comment at the hearing or submit written comment to bmvpublichearing@bmv.in.gov. Those who wish to have their emailed comments made part of the record need to submit them by 11:59 p.m. CST on Aug. 14.
The Griffith BMV branch plays a significant role in our community, providing essential and accessible services to residents. As discussions continue about consolidation, your feedback is invaluable in ensuring the needs and perspectives of our community are fully represented. I encourage all residents to participate in this public hearing to voice their views, ask questions and learn more about the implications of this proposed change.
Upcoming: Mental Heath Round Table
On Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., I am hosting a Mental Health Round Table at Munster Town Hall (1005 Ridge Rd. Munster, IN). My focus is to spread awareness on substance abuse and mental illness and provide our community with available resources to address specific mental health needs.
Speakers include:
Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch
Lt. Governor Crouch played a significant role in crafting and supporting legislation that was passed in Senate Bill 1 from the 2023 legislative session that addressed mental health and funding for mental health initiatives.
Angelica Arreola - Clinical Director at Benchmark Counseling, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Angelica Arreola is the Founder and Clinical Director of Benchmark Counseling in Munster, Ind. that specializes in child and adolescent mental health. Additionally, she is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and serves as President of the Indiana Counseling Association.
Dr. Brian Dieckmann - Clinical Psychologist at Regional Mental Health
Dr. Dieckmann is a HSPP Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Addition Counselor with over 30 years of profession and volunteer experiences. His path through Human Services have allowed Dr. Dieckmann to land in his current role as the Direct of Access to Care within the largest community health center in Northwest Indiana where he helps guide a team of Emergency Specialists and Crisis Teams in the management of acute and community crises with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of all involvement instance-to-instance.
Erica Rios-Corbin - Social Service Coordinator at Griffith Police Department
Erica Rios-Corbin is a Police Social Worker at Griffith Police Department with over 11 years of social work experience in child welfare and public service. Erica is a licensed social worker providing officers and their families with mental health training, access to wellness resources, and education on trending social issues. She facilitates community-focused training and education on mental health, substance abuse, child/elder abuse, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Erica provides crisis intervention, support, and resource referrals to victims of intimate partner abuse, individuals with substance use disorder, and children and families needing community resources and services.
Safe Haven Baby Box Unveiling at Munster Fire Department Station 2
On July 22, I had the privilege of attending the dedication of the Safe Haven Baby Box at the Munster Fire Department's Station #2. I want to extend my gratitude to the Munster Fire Department and our local business owners for coming together to make this important resource a reality.
New mothers who face financial or personal challenges often struggle to care for their children but still wish to ensure their baby is placed with a loving family. Munster’s new baby box provides a compassionate and secure option for these mothers, allowing them to make this difficult decision with dignity and peace of mind.
Having co-authored the 2021 HEA 1032 that enabled the establishment of baby boxes, I am particularly touched that our own community now has one.
Public Safety Ride Along with Lake County Sheriff’s High Crime Unit & Munster Police Department K-9 Fundraiser
Recently, I had the privilege of joining the Lake County Sheriff’s High Crime Unit and other local law enforcement agencies for a public safety ride along. Additionally, I attended the Munster Police Department K-9 Fundraiser to show my support for our local K-9 units and got to meet K-9 Vader! I am grateful to have been a part of these opportunities and I deeply respect the bravery and dedication of our local law enforcement. I am committed to ensuring that our officers have the resources they need to protect our communities.
Hero on I-94: Honoring Sergeant DeLeeuw of Munster Police Department
On the evening of July 16, Jack DeLeeuw of the Munster Police Department prevented a potential tragedy.
While on patrol, Sgt. DeLeeuw encountered a young man preparing to jump from a bridge onto Interstate 94. After Sgt. DeLeeuw’s brave intervention and conversation with him, the young man stepped away from the ledge. Before going to the hospital to receive treatment, he expressed gratitude for Sgt. DeLeeuw’s life-saving help to officers on the scene.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude in recognizing Sgt. Jack DeLeeuw for his heroic act of bravery and courage in saving the life of a young man in crisis. Our community is lucky to have a public servant like Sgt. DeLeeuw, who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping this young person realize that hope is possible.
In light of this recent event, I want to underscore the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention by urging those in crisis to reach out the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline or call 911 for immediate assistance. Help and support are always available.
Laborers’ Local 81 Annual Family Picnic & Ironworkers Local 395 Luncheon
On July 21, I had the opportunity to spend time with local unions in Northwest Indiana. The day began with the Laborers’ Local 81 annual family picnic, where I enjoyed connecting with members and their families. Later, I attended the Ironworkers Local 395 luncheon, further engaging with the community and learning more about their experiences and needs. I am deeply committed to continuing my support for the hardworking men and women across our state, recognizing their contributions and advocating for their interests.
Sagamore of the Wabash Presented to Dr. Lorin Brown
In early July, I had the honor of presenting Dr. Lorin Brown of Munster with the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Granted by Gov. Eric Holcomb, the award is the highest honor awarded by the governor and recognizes significant leadership, community involvement and contributions to the State of Indiana.
Dr. Lorin Brown exemplifies the spirit of leadership and community involvement that the Sagamore of the Wabash award honors. His dedication as a physician and commitment to numerous civic roles, including his longstanding service with organizations like the Munster Rotary Club and Lions Club, showcases his deep-rooted passion for improving lives in Munster and across Indiana. I was proud to present this prestigious recognition to someone so deserving of it, and I wish him continued success.
School Board of Education Public Hearing
On July 30, I had the privilege of representing House District 12 in testifying at the Indiana State Board of Education’s (SBOE) public hearing which addressed the IDOE’s new diploma proposal for high school graduates. I was accompanied by School Town of Munster Superintendent Bret Heller and School Board President John Doherty who spoke on various issues with the proposal and the uncertainties for future Indiana graduates.
I believe that the Indiana Department of Education’s new diplomas proposal dramatically reduces academic requirements, fails to meet the basic standards for college admissions and overlooks the needs of students with disabilities.
Reflecting on my testimony, I continue to urge the SBOE to organize town halls across the state to solicit additional feedback from parents, educators and students who couldn’t attend the hearing in Indianapolis. Such a drastic change to our high school curriculum requires the thoughts and feedback of Hoosiers around the state, including in Northwest Indiana.
IDHS Seeks Volunteers to participate in PFAS testing pilot program
In 2023, my Democratic colleague State Rep. Maureen Bauer authored House Enrolled Act 1219 to protect firefighters from toxic PFAS chemicals. The bill required the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to establish a pilot program to determine if firefighters in Indiana have perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” pose significant health risks and are found in firefighter gear, foams and fire combustion byproducts. While Indiana has made steps to get rid of PFAS-containing gear and foams, many current and retired firefighters were exposed to them for years.
Indiana firefighters can now apply to have their blood tested for PFAS chemicals, free of charge. This program will assist the IDHS and other state agencies in determining how to better protect Indiana’s firefighters from exposure to PFAS chemicals. The deadline to apply is Aug. 9.
How to Participate:
Submit Your Information: Interested Indiana firefighters can apply online by submitting their name, email and PSID via the application link at on.in.gov/pfas-testing.
Follow-Up Application: Applicants will receive a follow-up application from pfas@delineateconsulting.com for further details.
Receive Testing Kit: Selected participants will receive an at-home testing kit, which they must return within 14 days to receive their results promptly.
Our family enjoys your Community Updates.
Thank you very much.